What's Happening
This blog space offers opportunities for the school to inform Web viewers about what’s happening at the school and for students, parents and employers to share information with readers.
Workforce Advantage Academy- Invites You To Our Community/Media Day
You are invited to attend, on September 26, 2019 – from 10 am to 12 pm, a “community media day.” At the event, we will showcase our new educational campus, and show our appreciation to our sponsors, business partners, families, teachers, and the local media. Under the...
Graduation
The class of 2019 graduated from Workforce Advantage Academy. Smiles were prevalent as students received recognition for their class work and diplomas.
Prom
Students enjoyed delicious food, homemade ice cream, dancing, and a photo booth at the 2019 Starlit Paradise prom at the Country Club of Orlando.
Spring Break 2019
Students and staff traveled to Tallahassee and Kennedy Space Center during spring break. They visited Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University (FAMU), Florida State University, the new and old capitol buildings, and the Kennedy Space Center.
STUDENT FINDS JOY IN EMPLOYMENT
Junior Darian Flemming spends his afternoons playing with fourth and fifth graders and his evenings monitoring gymnasium activity at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. He has worked at the facility for several months and thoroughly enjoys helping out. “I love...
GRADUATION BRINGS SMILES AND TEARS
As the class of 2014 walked across the stage at graduation, parents, family, staff and faculty shared in their accomplishments. Senior Eddie Verde reflected on his years at Workforce Advantage Academy and filled the room with laughter as he brought cereal to Principal...
SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPER INSPIRES STUDENTS
Robert Cairns, former real estate developer, visited the school and met with students. He advised them to “think beyond today, have a goal for the future and work on a daily basis to do the best you can to move forward toward your long-term goal.” He offered the...
STUDENT CONTINUES STUDIES
Stefany Ramos, a 2012 graduate of Workforce Advantage Academy, continues her studies at Valencia College, where she is pursing an associate degree in nutrition and sports and exercise service. Ramos also continues working at Med Advantage, a job she began while as a...
SENIOR LUNCH CELEBRATES END OF THE YEAR
Graduating seniors received their caps and gowns, followed by a catered luncheon, provided by Workforce Advantage Academy. Spirits were high as the students completed their high school years, finished all of their assignments and tests, and set off for the next phase...
PROM A HUGE SUCCESS
Students enjoyed a delightful meal, savory handmade ice cream and dancing at the 2014 prom, Fairytale Dreams, held at the Country Club of Orlando. Congratulations to Derek Cavilla for coordinating the successful event, and Mercedes Farfan for her assistance. Quran...
DUAL-ENROLLED STUDENTS EARN STRAIGHT “A’S”
Workforce Advantage Academy seniors Marilyn Jarvis and Eddie Verde dual enrolled at Valencia College during the spring semester and both earned straight A grades in all of the courses they took.
STUDENTS ENJOYING THE WARMER WEATHER
Sunny days have allowed students to experience the joy of competition during physical education classes.
GUEST SPEAKER INSPIRES STUDENTS
Celebrity attorney Nick Nanton shared with students his experiences growing up and building a career as a celebrity attorney and branding expert, explaining the value of an education, even when it’s not fun. Nanton also talked about the bestselling books he has...
SPORT ACTIVITIES INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO NEW RECREATION
Students enjoyed bowling at Colonial Lanes, followed by a picnic-style luncheon. Many students bowled for the first time and did quite well. Other students tried out kick ball, volleyball, ping pong and other sports during the school’s field day activities.
HANDLING CASH IN TRANSITION CLASS
Students learn how to operate a cash register, ring up items and handle cash during a Transition class.
STUDENT EARNS EMPLOYEE-OF-MONTH HONORS
Gilchrist McDonald’s named senior Terri Leath Employee of the Month. She has worked at the restaurant on Gore Street for several months. She said her boss encouraged her to keep up the good work. “I like everything about working there,” Leath said. “I’m learning a lot...
SENIOR JOINS THE COAST GUARD
Although he has never been aboard a boat, senior Trent Frazier has joined the U.S. Coast Guard. While at Workforce Advantage Academy, he has worked at Rosen Hotels. “I always wanted to be in the Coast Guard,” Frazier said. “I want to do something positive in my life,...
GRAD BECOMES COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
Alex Beightler, a 2009 graduate of Workforce Advantage Academy, has completed an associate degree in computer programming and analysis from Valencia College. While in high school, he worked for the Orange County Library and called it a “great job.” He is now looking...
PROFESSIONALS CREATE CAREER DAY SUCCESS
Professionals from around the area participated in WAA’s Career Day, sharing information about their field and personal tips for success. Business Transition teacher Chris Canone organized the event with assistance from the Y Young Achievers Program. Ericka Cotton, an...
STUDENT TO ATTEND ROLLINS IN THE FALL
Eddie Verde will attend Rollins College in Winter Park and already has selected his fall classes. He was accepted in to the Hamilton Holt School of Business, where he plans to study international business in a 3/2 program in which he will receive a bachelor’s degree...
STUDENT EARNS HIGH MARKS AT WORK
Junior Stephanie Blackman began working at Mills & Nebraska in the fall and has earned high marks from her employer for being cooperative and following directions. She files, does some fast cash payday loan bookkeeping and other office projects. “I like it,...
CPR GIVES STUDENTS LIFE-SAVING SKILLS
Students in Sarah Albright’s First Aid class learned how to safely perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on an infant, as well as adults. Anthony Boyd, left, demonstrates the proper technique.
GRAD SHARES SUCCESS AS EMT WITH STUDENTS
A 2008 graduate, Kristen Davis now serves as a medical supervisor at DCI Plasma and as an emergency medical technician at OnSite Medical Services. She became a combat medic in the U.S. Army and found she enjoyed health care delivery. “I wake up in the morning and love...
NYC TRIP A HUGE SUCCESS
Workforce Advantage Academy students spent spring break visiting the Intrepid, the United Nations, Ground Zero and West Point. They raved about the sites and the food they sampled at a variety of Big Apple restaurants. “Everything was perfect,” said Quran Jenkins. “It...
ADP LEADERS TALK WITH AND HIRE STUDENTS
Management personnel from ADP Surfaces of Orlando visited the school and talked with students about preparing for the world of work to ensure a bright future. The company has hired and is mentoring four Workforce Advantage Academy students. They are working on...
STUDENTS PREPARE FOR DEBATE
History teacher Alex Johnson helps students prepare for a debate.
STUDENT EARNS TECH CERTIFICATION
Senior Joshua Smith dual enrolled at Orlando Tech and earned a SkillsUSA certificate in television and video production. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of California, Los Angeles and pursue a career in film and television. “When I get back to LA,...
STUDENT WORKING FULL-TIME, RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Chanese Bradley, a 2011 graduate of the academy, has joined the environmental team at Orlando Health Dr. Phillips Hospital, after working in different hospitality positions. She said those jobs taught her self-control and anger management skills, but it was time for...
ELECTRONICS RETAIL PROS HIRE WAA STUDENTS
Ryan Pitman, client project specialist with Retail Business Development of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Chris Rivera, area manager for Vonage, met with more than two-dozen Workforce Advantage Academy students in preparation for adding to their ranks of sales...
SPRING’S ARRIVED AND BIRDIES ARE IN THE AIR
Students in the HOPE class play badminton on the front grounds of the academy. Teacher Sarah Albright helps them perfect their serving technique.
BLOOD BANK COLLECTS FROM WAA
Students donated to the Blood One blood bank during a recent visit by the Big Red Bus to the school. The blood bank donates money for scholarships for each pint collected.
YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW
The 2014 yearbook is at the printer and Ms. Tina Johnson is accepting orders for the books. Sign up today and be one of the first to receive a better-than-ever yearbook. Photographer Ted Hollins takes a senior group photo for the yearbook.
STUDENTS GAINING EXPERIENCE AT BAGS
Several students continue working at Bags and earning high marks for their work ethic and desire to learn. Erick Garcia, a WAA senior, began working at Bags this fall in the airport, moving luggage from one belt to another, loading cars and tagging the luggage so it...
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Student holistic development
Our students develop the academic, employment and social skills that they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities.
Dedicated team of education professionals
Workforce Advantage Academy is operated by a dedicated team of education professionals, with no ties to a management company.
Experiential learning opportunities
Experiential learning opportunities allow students to achieve academic excellence, employment success and social responsibility.
Provides students with work experience
Workforce Advantage Academy provides students with work experience while remaining in school and learning more about business and careers.
Workforce Advantage Academy Charter School, an Orange County Public High School, offers juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn while they learn. Students spend half their time in a paid job, gaining valuable work experience while earning school credit as an elective for the internship.
WORKFORCE SUCCESS STORIES
Our mission at Workforce Advantage Academy Inc. is to create learning environments for high school students, particularly those rising juniors and seniors who desire a different approach to reach their potential. Through attendance at Workforce Academy, our students develop the academic, employment and social skills that they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities.
